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Previously performing as part of comedy sketch group The Grandees, Marny Godden is certainly no stranger to the Edinburgh Fringe. This year she takes on a solo quest with ‘Flap ‘Em on the Gate’, a character comedy from the weird and wonderful mind of Marny Godden. With only a couple of days until the festival lands in Edinburgh, I caught up with Marny to talk about her new show.Hello Marny, how are you?
Very good thank you!

Are you excited about performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year?
Yes very, it’s my first time up with a solo show so there’s extra excitement and extra nerves.

How many years have you performed at the Fringe, and what does the Festival mean to you?
I performed with The Grandees, my comedy troupe, in 2008, 09, 10, 13 and 14. The festival means a lot to me. It’s so much fun and you get to hang out with a huge creative community every day. You also get to perform every day, and making people laugh, that’s an amazing feeling. And you get to do all this in a beautiful place like Edinburgh.

Tell us about your new shows for 2015?
It’s called ‘Flap ‘Em on the Gate’ and it’s a character, clown show and lots of fun. Mick, a travelling salesman, goes round from site to site pitching up ‘Flap ‘Em on the gate. This time to the Underbelly, presenting a motley crew of traveling nomads. You’ve got prophets, hirsute teenage boys, hoover ladies and all sorts for delectation and delight.

How do you come up with your ideas for the show?
Wouldn’t you like to know…

How do you remain unique with so many performers on the Fringe and what makes you stand out?
Be authentically true to yourself. Don’t copy anyone’s ideas. Find your own gold to mine and have fun whilst doing it. Also make sure you do your best to deliver because you owe it to the audience who have made the effort to come out and see your show.

What preparations do you have in place for the lead up to the Fringe?
Previews and keeping myself healthy.

What’s the best and worst audience reaction that you have experienced whilst performing at the Edinburgh Fringe, and how do you deal with hecklers?
Best? Standing ovation for The Grandees 2013 show. Worst: Only one person turning up (the photographer) Hecklers have never been a problem as of yet…

How important is audience interaction to you whilst performing?
Really important. For me it’s the energy and vibe you create together with the audience that really makes for a good show. I try to be sensitive to what they are finding funny so I can give them more of that thing. They’ve paid to see me, it’s for them not me. I’m just doing my job.

What’s the best/funniest/most interesting thing a reviewer has ever said about your Fringe performances?
From a Mumble Comedy review in 2013 for ‘The Grandees; Wrong side of the door’ – “OK, so the lassie was a good dancer but she was also clearly under the influence of some kind of twisted hypnosis.”

What other acts do you recommend we catch at this year’s Fringe?
Joz Norris: Hey Guys, Michael Brumstrom: The Golden Age of Steam, Ali Brice: Has no Proof Only Memories of Pasta, Dan Lees: Brainchild, Kate Cook: Invisible Woman, Abi Murphy: Have a word, Sophie Pelham: Country Files. Tim Renkow: At least Hell Has Ramps.

Catch Marny Godden’s ‘Flap ‘Em On The Gate‘ at Underbelly Cowgate Delhi Belly, 17.20 every night during the Festival.